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Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been found guilty of raping a teenage girl by a court in Kathmandu. The sentencing has been scheduled for January 10, 2024.
Sandeep Lamichhane suspended as Nepal’s captain
The 23-year-old Lamichhane, considered the face of cricket in Nepal, gained prominence as the sole player from his country to participate in various prominent Twenty20 leagues. However, his career took a downturn when he was suspended as Nepal’s captain in September last year, subsequently being taken into custody following the issuance of an arrest warrant related to the assault. However, Lamichhane was later released on bail.
Now, the court’s verdict has dealt a severe blow to Lamichhane’s reputation and career, as he could potentially face up to 10 years in prison.
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Lamichhane’s lawyer to appeal in a higher court
Expressing disappointment with the judgment, Lamichhane’s legal team, led by lawyer Sabita Bhandari Baral, has confirmed their intention to appeal the decision to a higher court.
“We did not expect this judgement… we are frustrated,” Baral stated as quoted by the Tribune. She added: “We’ll definitely appeal.”
The case has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community in Nepal and beyond, raising questions about the impact of such incidents on the sports world and the responsibilities of athletes as public figures.
